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FIJIAN UNITY TO TOP CHIEFS TALKS

SUVA, Fiji Islands (April 25, 2000 – Fiji’s Daily Post)---The Great Council of Chiefs will have intense discussions this week on the subject of Fijian unity.

It is reported that the chiefs are very concerned with the divisions, which currently exist within the indigenous community.

The GCC will analyze and determine the underlying causes of the fragmentation among Fijians.

They will go on to talk about ways in which Fijians can be reunited.

However it has been made very clear the unity talks will not necessarily mean bringing all Fijians under the umbrella of one political party.

They will also deliberate on who is to be Fiji's Head of State.

The chiefs will decide this week at the Tradewinds Convention Center whether Fiji remains as a republic, or whether to approach Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and request her to be reinstated as Head of State.

The meeting will end Friday.

This is the second meeting at which the issue of Head of State will be discussed.

Also on the agenda is the appointment of five new board members of the Native Lands Trust Board. Those chosen will be replacing those whose terms have come to an end.

The council will be receiving the annual report of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Memorial School.

RSMS, as the school is more commonly known, belongs to the Great Council of Chiefs. During the three days the chiefs will have talks regarding the composition of their council.

The council will also be looking at motions dealing with the controversial issues of the mahogany deal, the Agricultural Landlord and Tenants Act, and Crown lands schedule A and B.

Agriculture Minister Poseci Bune will be addressing the chiefs on the mahogany deal and the proposed Land Use Commission.

Pacific Islands Report is a nonprofit news publication of the Pacific Islands Development Program at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Offered as a free service to readers, PIR provides an edited digest of news, commentary and analysis from across the Pacific Islands region, Monday - Friday.